How to Play Pick Your Poison: Rules and Variations for Family Fun

Quick Answer

Pick Your Poison is a card game where players combine two Poison cards to create the most challenging 'what would you rather do?' scenario. The goal is to make a choice so tough that most players can't decide. To play, gather three or more players, deal Poison cards, and take turns presenting scenarios. The group votes anonymously on the hardest one, and the player who created it scores a point. For family fun, use the base game or adapt rules to keep it lighthearted.

Pick Your Poison is a party card game that turns 'what would you rather do?' into a battle of wits and nerve. It's simple to learn, quick to play, and guarantees laughter as players reveal just how twisted—or sensible—their choices are. Whether you're hosting a game night or looking for a new family tradition, this guide covers the rules and variations to get you started.

Originally designed for adults, Pick Your Poison can be adapted for family play by using the base game or setting boundaries. With 300 cards in the After Dark edition, the combinations are endless, so no two rounds feel the same. Read on to learn the core mechanics, scoring, and creative twists that keep the game fresh.

Understanding the Cards

Pick Your Poison consists of Poison cards, each containing a scenario or action. In the After Dark edition, there are 300 cards, offering a wide range of dilemmas. The game works with three or more players, making it ideal for small gatherings or larger parties.

Each round, players combine two Poison cards to create a single 'what would you rather do?' scenario. The goal is to craft a choice so difficult that others can't decide easily. The scenarios can be outrageous, funny, or thought-provoking, depending on the cards you draw.

• Check the card count: The After Dark edition has 300 cards, but the base game may have fewer. Adjust game length accordingly.

Setting Up the Game

To set up, shuffle the deck and deal a hand of Poison cards to each player. The number of cards per hand can vary, but a good starting point is five cards each. Place the remaining deck in the center as a draw pile.

Designate a scorekeeper or use a notepad to track points. Decide how many rounds to play—typically 10 or 15—or play until someone reaches a set score like 10 points.

• Ensure everyone has an equal number of cards for fairness.

Playing a Round

The starting player selects two Poison cards from their hand and reads them aloud to create a combined scenario. For example, 'Would you rather eat a bug or sing in public?' The player then presents this dilemma to the group.

All other players secretly vote on which option they would choose, or they can declare that they can't decide. Voting can be done by pointing, writing down answers, or using voting tokens. The goal is to create a scenario where most players are stumped.

After everyone votes, the scenario creator reveals which option they would personally choose. Players who picked the same option score a point. If no one picks the creator's choice, the creator scores a point for stumping everyone.

• Common mistake: Creating scenarios that are too one-sided. Aim for a balance where both options are equally undesirable or appealing.

Scoring and Winning

Points are awarded each round: one point for each player who matches your choice, and a bonus point if you stump everyone. The player with the most points at the end of the game wins.

Alternatively, you can play without scoring and simply enjoy the conversations. This is great for casual play or when you want to focus on the hilarity of the dilemmas.

• Keep track of scores on a phone or paper to avoid disputes.

Variations for Family Fun

While Pick Your Poison After Dark is designed for adults 17+, you can adapt the game for family play. Use the base game if available, or remove any cards that are too mature. You can also set a rule that scenarios must be silly rather than gross or inappropriate.

Another variation is 'Team Play,' where players form pairs and combine scenarios together. This encourages collaboration and can be less intimidating for younger players. For a co-op twist, try 'Group Stumper,' where everyone works together to create a scenario that stumps the designated judge.

You can also introduce a timer to speed up rounds, or play 'No Pass,' where players must choose an option even if they hate both. These tweaks keep the game fresh and adaptable to different groups.

• Before playing with family, review the deck and remove any cards that don't fit your comfort level.

Step-by-Step Guide to Playing Pick Your Poison

1. Gather players and cards: Ensure you have at least three players and a Pick Your Poison deck. Shuffle the cards and deal five to each player. Check that everyone has a comfortable hand size; adjust if you have many players.
2. Start the round: The starting player selects two Poison cards and reads them as a combined scenario. For example, 'Would you rather eat a bug or sing in public?' Avoid creating scenarios where one option is clearly worse; aim for a tough choice.
3. Vote anonymously: All other players secretly vote on which option they'd choose, or they can declare they can't decide. Use pointing, paper, or tokens. Make sure votes are secret to keep the game honest and fun.
4. Reveal and score: The scenario creator reveals their choice. Players who matched get a point; if no one matches, the creator gets a point. Keep a tally to determine the winner after the agreed number of rounds.
5. Rotate and repeat: The next player to the left becomes the scenario creator. Continue until the game ends. For longer games, set a round limit or play until someone reaches a target score.

Related Games from Dyce Games

• Pick Your Poison After Dark Party Game - The “What Would You Rather Do?” Adult Card Game: PICK YOUR POISON is a card game of unfathomable 'What would you rather do?' scenarios. Three or more players compete to create the hardest scenario possible by combining two Poison cards. Spark fun conversations - Everyone anonymously 'Picks their Poison' – After the reveal, find out who was 'right' and who is just as messed up as you thought! Endless Combinations - PICK YOUR POISON After Dark Edition gives you 300... This is the exact game described in the guide. With 300 cards, it offers endless replayability and is perfect for adult game nights.
• FIRST TO WORST Party Game + After Dark Expansion Set - The Card Game About How Your Friends & Family Rank Things: In this fun collaborative game, players try to get into each others' heads by guessing how fellow players rank a variety of topics in priority order of 1 through 5. Match more right than wrong and victory is yours! BASE GAME IS FAMILY-FRIENDLY & AFTER DARK EXPANSION IS 17+ If you enjoy the social deduction in Pick Your Poison, this game offers a different twist on guessing friends' preferences, with a family-friendly base game option.

Pick Your Poison is a versatile party game that thrives on creativity and social interaction. With the rules and variations above, you can tailor it to your group, whether it's an adult game night or a family gathering. Remember to keep the tone light and fun, and don't be afraid to experiment with house rules. For more party game ideas, explore Dyce Games' collection.